(575c) TiO2-Enhanced Polymer-Derived Ceramic Composite Membranes for Water Purification

TiO₂ nanoparticles have shown potential in the removal of volatile organic compounds and pharmaceuticals from wastewater by heterogeneous photocatalysis.  While the photooxidative effect of TiO₂ nanoparticles under UV light has been widely studied and seen many improvements, the issue of immobilization of the nanoparticle catalyst remains an obstacle to the realization of widespread practical application.  Additionally, components of the degradation reaction- namely the UV source itself and the highly reactive species produced in water- cause oxidation of the matrix when TiO₂ is immobilized in an organic membrane.  In this research, we utilize silicon-based preceramic polymer as a novel matrix material to produce a titanium dioxide-enhanced inorganic polymer-derived ceramic composite membrane.  The influence of the addition of TiO₂ on the morphology of the membrane will be presented, including porosity, thickness, and nanoparticle dispersion.  Properties, including contact angle, membrane permeability, and methylene blue degradation, of the unloaded and nanoparticle-loaded membranes will be compared.  Quartz crystal microbalance analysis will show the stability of the film under ultraviolet irradiation.